3 steps forward, 1 step back,…but still a success!!!
Hello All My Bodybuilding Buddies!!
So here’s the deal: I’ve lost another 2 pounds!! I weighed in today at 173.4 lbs. I started the Muscletech transformation challenge in late April at around 178 lbs. so that’s progress to say the least.
But this weight loss didn’t come without a price. Monday was my track/kettlebell workout day where I do a track session followed by a kettlebell workout. For the track portion, I used my Vibram Five Finger Shoes. These shoes are supposed to simulate running barefoot. They strengthen your feet by allowing each digit to work independently of one another during the push-off. Each digit (toe) has its own muscle with a tendon that runs along the bottom of your foot. This tendon supports your arch. The tighter the tendon the higher the arch. My foot size has gone down about a size and a half since using them for a year. For more info about the benefits of barefoot running, read this article:
Anyway, after reading someone’s bodyblog about a 5k, I decided to do a set that I used to do years ago while training for a 5K:
Run 4 miles continuously, starting at a 9 minute pace, going 8 minutes for the second, 7 minutes for the third, and finishing with a 6 minute mile. I did this set 3 times before my last 5k back in 2003 and ran a 19:45. It was a small race so I took 2nd in my age group.
So 5 years later, I tried to do the same set (with no prior speedwork) but this time barefoot. My splits were the following:
Total time: 32:53 First mile: 9:58 Second: 8:23 Third: 7:47 Fourth: 6:44
I finished with Snatches, cleans, shoulder Presses, and swings with a 20 kg. Kettlebell.
The next morning, my left foot was sore; it hurt more than usual….and its been hurting ever since. I haven’t covered injuries of the foot in my curriculum (I’m in Physical Therapy School) but I have a feeling it’s either plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or a pulled muscle in my foot. It hurts like hell when I walk. I’m going to start soaking my foot in ice water. Since I can’t run, I plan on running in the pool at the gym. I’ve gone on several 10+ mile runs on concrete and asphalt with my ‘barefoot’ shoes and have had no problems. I guess I failed to realize that stress on your feet and knees increases exponentially as you increase your speed; it’s that fastest I’ve ever run in those shoes and should’ve known better. I just hope I can recover quickly.
Stay tuned for my latest pics,
DAVE
